The Gay Buddhist Forum by GBF
Buddhism for Liberation and Social Action - especially for LGBTQIA audiences.
We invite teachers from all schools of Buddhism to offer their perspective on its application in modern times. Produced by The Gay Buddhist Fellowship of San Francisco.
Episodes
922 episodes
Leading with a Friendly Heart - Sean Feit Oakes
How can we maintain a compassionate heart in a world defined by conflict? Sean Feit Oakes shows us how we can use the Brahma Viharas—the "immeasurable" states of love, compassion, joy, and equanimity— t...
It's Okay to Not be Okay - Daigan Gaither
Daigan Gaither helps us examine how we can remain deeply engaged with a suffering world without losing our sanity, despite the "fire hose" of constant information and activism. He explores the phrase "it's okay to not be o...
Finding Your Posture of Peace - Victoria Austin
How can we maintain a steady heart and a sense of purpose when the world around us is in conflict? Victoria Austin introduces us to the concept of a "posture of peace," which she defines not merely as a physical...
The War Within: Transforming Aggression into a Pure Heart - Mary Stares
Onryu Mary Stares helps us understand why external peace is impossible without first addressing the "war" occurring inside—the aggression and destructive emotions within our own heart. She offers several key approaches to support this ef...
Loving-Kindness Practice: Cutting Through Everyday Anxiety - Sean Feit Oakes
How can we cultivate a heart that remains open and loving regardless of the external circumstances we face? In this talk, Sean Feit Oakes explores the Brahma Viharas, also known as the "divine abodes" or states ...
Community: The Crucial Ingredient for Awakening - Kevin Griffin
Exploring the Buddha's nine causes of spiritual and personal development, Kevin Griffin identifies one that is the foundation for all the others: community and spiritual friends. He notes that once a person has good friends, it ca...
Cultivating Equanimity - Beth Mulligan
How can we cultivate a mind that stays steady, open, and responsive even when life becomes unpredictable?In this talk, Beth Mulligan explores equanimity as a living practice rather than a distant ideal. She frames equanimit...
What Drives Our Stories? Steven Tierney
What stories do we tell ourselves when life feels overwhelming, painful, or uncertain?Steven Tierney invites us to look closely at the narratives that shape our experience—especially in moments of grief and fear. Reflecting...
Why Practice? Part 2: The Path from Samsara to Nibana - Ian Challis
What if “liberation” isn’t an escape from the world’s pain, but the most grounded way to meet it?In Part 2, Ian Challis continues his exploration of the journey from samsara (the spinning wheel of greed, hatred, and delus...
Why Practice? Part 1: Samsara - Ian Challis
What does it take to finally say, “I’ve had enough of being swept around by life,” and begin walking a path toward real freedom?Ian Challis invites us to first take a grounded look at samsara—the restless, exhausting cycle ...
Tonglen and the Illumined Imagination - Danadasa
What if the imagination itself could become a doorway to compassion, ease, and awakening?Danadasa begins by grounding listeners in the Tibetan practice of tonglen—breathing in the suffering of oneself and others as dark smo...
Peace is Available Now - David Lewis
When will we realize that peace isn’t something we create, but something already here—quietly waiting for us?That’s the thread David Lewis follows in this winter‑solstice talk, weaving together poetry, Buddhist teachings, and refl...
Kubari: Generosity with Awareness - Marcia Lieberman
What does it mean to give something freely, without expecting anything in return? In this talk, Marcia Lieberman introduces us to the Japanese word kubari—a term for paying attention to others, as well as a tw...
Letting Go Into Wholeness - Jokai Blackwell
In this quietly powerful talk, Jokai Blackwell reflects on how Zen practice invites us into a deeper intimacy with life — not by escaping discomfort, but by softening our resistance to it. He shares personal stories and teachings from Ze...
Becoming Just Awareness - Dorothy Hunt
What does it mean to “be awareness” rather than simply observing it? Dorothy Hunt invites us to see awareness not as something separate from thoughts, feelings, or experiences, but as the very ground of being that is a...
The Multiplicity of Awareness - Eugene Cash
What does it mean to truly awaken—and how do we live with full awareness in every moment, even in the face of impermanence? Eugene Cash's warm, playful, and deeply sincere style invites us into a rich exploration of mi...
The Heart, Broken Open - Jennifer Berezan
Jennifer Berezan reflects on the necessity for courage, compassion, and the power of community in uncertain times. Even to simply stop and sit with what is requires bravery—especially amid aging, societal unrest, and personal struggles. ...
The Buddha & Neuroscience - Eve Decker
When seen with clarity, the dharma sheds light on nearly every aspect of our daily lives. In this highly engaging talk, Eve Decker explores in plain language how Buddhist teachings can help us deal with our daily strug...
Self Compassion - Walt Opie
Self-compassion is a vital part of the Buddhist path, especially here in the West. Here, Walt Opie shares personal stories and reflections on how difficult it can be to extend kindness toward ourselves, especially when...
Living with Integrity - Steven Tierney
In this talk, Steven Tierney emphasizes living with integrity as the core of Buddhist practice.He helps us reflect on living a meaningful and compassionate practice that is responsive to our unique life situations while benefittin...
The Hard Work of Ethical Conduct - Daigan Gather
In a world rife with violence and intolerance, how do we embody Buddhist ethical practice that balances compassion, wisdom, and courageous action?When we feel overwhelmed by the state of society, Daigan Gaither suggests foc...
What Might Happen - Laura Burges
Laura Burges discusses how being present with our fears can help us break the grip they hold over us so we can develop the courage to live openly and compassionately in uncertain times.Finding Buddhist truths in stories from many ...
The Dharma of Other People - Matthew Brensilver
Human connection brings an inherent amount of suffering with it, so how do we cultivate equanimity in interpersonal relationships?In this talk, Matthew Brensilver reflects on the deep human need for belonging. Yet an unavoi...
Being an Island of Order in a Sea of Disorder - Larry Robinson
As practitioners, how can we respond when things fall apart?Larry Robinson invites us to find refuge and stability amid chaotic and uncertain times by leaning into the core Buddhist teachings and practices. He frames our cu...
Tibeten Lojong Training & Tonglen Practice - Gary Ost
How can we transform suffering and self-centeredness into compassion and wakefulness?In this talk, Gary Ost explores a practical path to emotional freedom and authentic connection -- something that he developed on his perso...
